Office of Ombudsman and Nkhata Bay District Council have committed to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as one way of strengthening transparency, accountability and good governance.
The commitment was made Monday at Nkhata Bay Council chamber during a meeting with District Executive Committee on mobile accountability clinics, a proactive mechanism that the Office of Ombudsman uses to reach communities in the rural areas.
Nkhata Bay District Commissioner, Rodgers Newa, expressed admiration for the work that the Ombudsman is doing in the fight against maladministration, adding that their coming to the council indicates service to the people.
“Public institutions should be closer to the people and that’s what we call service delivery. I am glad that you are here today to highlighted to us what you do and your expectations to us. Let me request that you have Desk Officer here so that when you go people can know where to find your services despite other channels that are in inplace,” Newa said.
Ombudsman Grace Malera affirmed that her office will have to sign MOUs with councils, starting with Nkhata Bay and requested the DC to provide them with a capable officer to take on the role of Desk Officer.
With support from the UNDP and collaboration with NICE TRUST, the Office of the Ombudsman is conducting Mobile Accountability Clinics in Nkhata Bay during which all the 19 Area Development Committees will be engaged.
By Chisomo Kambandanga, MANA
